Kumar Bahukhandi
Tractors and other vehicles at a secured premises following action by the Mineral Department in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district against alleged illegal transportation of sand and soil-Photo Credit:channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Mineral Department intercepts three tractors allegedly carrying sand illegally at Silpahari and another transporting soil for brick-making near Jyotipur Tiraha
Key Highlights
- Four tractors seized in separate checks against alleged illegal mineral transportation
- Three vehicles intercepted while allegedly transporting sand illegally in Silpahari
- One tractor caught allegedly carrying soil for brick-making near Jyotipur Tiraha
- Three seized vehicles kept at Amarpur police station premises, one at the Nagar Sainik premises
- Vehicle owners face proceedings under provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957
- Mineral Department says surveillance against illegal excavation and transportation will continue
Raipur: Four tractors allegedly involved in the illegal transportation of sand and soil have been seized in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi (GPM) district, as the Mineral Department intensified its crackdown on unauthorised extraction and movement of mineral resources.
Acting on the directions of Collector Vijay Dayaram K., Mineral Department teams have been carrying out surveillance and inspections at different locations across the district.
During the operation, officials intercepted three tractors in the Silpahari area that were allegedly transporting sand without the required authorisation. In a separate action near Jyotipur Tiraha, another tractor was intercepted while allegedly transporting soil intended for brick manufacturing.
Tractors seized during the Mineral Department’s enforcement action against alleged illegal transportation of mineral resources in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district. Four tractors were seized in the operation-Photo Credit:channel24india.com via CG/DPR
All four vehicles were seized by the authorities.
Three of the tractors have been placed in safe custody at the Amarpur police station premises, while the fourth has been kept at the Nagar Sainik premises, according to the district administration.
Owners Face Proceedings Under Mining Law
The administration said proceedings against the owners of the seized vehicles would be initiated under Sections 21(5) and 23(A) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, in accordance with the prescribed procedure.
The action forms part of continuing enforcement against illegal excavation, transportation and unauthorised use of mineral resources in the district.
Collector Vijay Dayaram K. has directed officials to maintain continuous surveillance and take firm action wherever violations are detected.
The district administration has maintained that natural resources are public assets and their illegal exploitation will not be permitted. Besides preventing unauthorised mining and transportation, the enforcement drive is intended to protect government revenue and encourage mineral extraction and transportation through lawful channels.
Officials said inspections would continue across vulnerable areas, with departmental teams checking suspected illegal excavation sites and vehicles transporting minerals.
Mineral Inspectors Sujit Kanwar, Shivkumar Lahre and Satish Sahu, along with Sainik Sahib Gani, were part of the enforcement action.
